One-Day Tour of Jinchuan: Discover the Colorful Charm of the Pear City

Jinchuan, a small city located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, is like a pearl inlaid on the western Sichuan plateau, exuding a unique and charming appeal. Its spectacular sea of pear blossoms, majestic snow-capped mountains, ancient Tibetan villages, and rich ethnic customs attract many tourists. Even with just one day, you can experience the unique charm of Jinchuan. Here's a carefully planned one-day tour itinerary for you. Preliminary Preparations 1. Documents: Bring your ID card for ticket purchases, public transportation, etc. If you have a student ID, senior citizen's card, military officer's card, or other documents that offer discounts, bring them along as well. 2. Clothing: Jinchuan is located on a plateau, and the climate is changeable with large temperature differences between day and night. In spring (March–May), the temperature gradually warms up, but mornings and evenings are still cold, so bring warm clothing such as thick coats and warm trousers. You can also bring light clothing for when the sun is shining. In summer (June–August), the daytime is hot, so wear light and breathable short sleeves, shorts, and skirts. However, due to the large temperature difference between morning and evening, you still need a thick coat. In addition, bring sun protection such as sunglasses, sun hats, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against strong UV rays. Also, bring rain gear in case of rain. In autumn (September–November), the weather turns cooler, so wear warm clothing such as thick sweaters and cotton-padded clothes. In winter (December–February), it is cold, so be sure to bring cold-weather gear such as down jackets, scarves, gloves, and snow boots. 3. Other items: Prepare comfortable sneakers or hiking boots for walking in the mountains. Bring a camera or a mobile phone with good camera capabilities to record the beautiful scenery, and also bring a power bank. Considering the possible physical discomfort in plateau areas, prepare some common medicines, such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, and anti-altitude sickness medicine. Also, download a map navigation app in advance for easy route finding. Transportation Guide 1. External transportation: If you are from out of town, you can first arrive in Barkam and then travel from Barkam to Jinchuan. Barkam has a long-distance bus station where you can take a bus to Jinchuan, which takes about 2 hrs. You can also choose to rent a car in Barkam and drive to Jinchuan. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the western Sichuan plateau along the way, but pay attention to driving safety on mountain roads. 2. Internal transportation: Public transportation within Jinchuan County is not well-developed, and taxis are a more convenient way to get around. If you want to go to surrounding scenic spots, it is recommended to charter a car or share a car so that you can freely arrange your itinerary and easily visit various attractions. Recommended Attractions 1. Jinchuan Pear Blossom Sea: This is the most famous attraction in Jinchuan. Every year from mid-March to early April, pear blossoms bloom on both sides of the Jinchuan River Valley, stretching for over a hundred miles. The snow-white pear blossoms complement the blue sky, white clouds, green mountains, and clear water, creating a picturesque landscape. You can stroll among the pear blossoms, feel the romance of falling petals, or climb to the viewing platform to overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Pear Blossom Sea. 2. Guerxiang Shenxianbao: This is one of the best places to view pear blossoms and a great location for panoramic photography. Climb Shenxianbao to see the pear blossoms all over the mountains and plains. The Tibetan villages in the distance are scattered among the pear blossoms, like a paradise. In addition, there are some hiking trails around Shenxianbao. You can stroll along the trails and experience the local natural scenery and folk customs. 3. Qingningxiang Songping Village: This is an ancient village full of Tibetan customs. The buildings in the village retain the traditional Tibetan style, with scattered stone and wooden houses and exquisite Tibetan murals painted on the walls. Here, you can visit Tibetan houses, learn about the Tibetan way of life and traditional culture, and taste authentic Tibetan food, such as butter tea, highland barley wine, and tsampa. Food Recommendations 1. Tibetan hot pot: The main ingredients are yak beef and Tibetan pork, along with various vegetables and mushrooms, simmered in a special copper pot. The hot pot base is rich and fragrant, and the ingredients are rich and varied. You can taste the tenderness of the meat and the sweetness of the vegetables. It is one of Jinchuan's specialties. 2. Milk residue buns: The dough is made from fermented flour and filled with milk residue, sugar, and other ingredients, then steamed. Milk residue buns are sweet and sour, with a rich milky aroma. They are a favorite traditional food of the Tibetan people. 3. Jinchuan Snow Pear Paste: Made from Jinchuan's specialty snow pears using traditional techniques. Snow pear paste has the effects of moistening the lungs to relieve coughs and clearing heat and resolving phlegm. It has a mellow taste, sweet but not greasy. It is a must-try specialty drink in Jinchuan and a great gift for friends and family. One-Day Itinerary - Morning: Depart from Barkam early for Jinchuan. After arriving in Jinchuan, go directly to the Jinchuan Pear Blossom Sea. Stroll among the pear blossoms, admire the snow-white flowers, take photos, and feel the breath of spring. - Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant near the Pear Blossom Sea and taste Tibetan hot pot, milk residue buns, and other local specialties. Embark on a culinary journey through Jinchuan. - Afternoon: Go to Guerxiang Shenxianbao, climb to the viewing platform, overlook the panoramic view of the Pear Blossom Sea, and enjoy the magnificent natural scenery. Afterward, go to Qingningxiang Songping Village, visit Tibetan houses, learn about Tibetan culture, and taste Jinchuan Snow Pear Paste and other specialty drinks. - Evening: Return according to your itinerary and end your pleasant one-day tour of Jinchuan. Jinchuan, this charming small city, offers a compact one-day itinerary that allows you to fully appreciate its unique scenery and culture. I hope this guide will help you have an unforgettable time in Jinchuan.